How Long Is the Drive from Kansas City to Minneapolis?
The drive from Kansas City to Minneapolis takes approximately 7h 0min, covering 440 miles via I-35. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $51 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 10–11+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
5h 57m
🔵 Typical
7h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
10h 9m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance440 miles (708 km)
Drive Time7h 0min
RouteI-35
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~14.7 gallons
Est. Cost$51
Route Tips: I-35
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Kansas City to Minneapolis
For a long drive like Kansas City to Minneapolis, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
7h 0min
~$51 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 23m
~$80–$154 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~53 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
7h 0min
~$51
🚌 Bus
9h 47m
~$35–$79
🚂 Train
8h 0m
~$53–$132
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Des Moines
📍 Omaha
📍 Sioux Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Kansas City to Minneapolis?
The drive from Kansas City to Minneapolis takes approximately 7h 0min covering 440 miles via I-35. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Kansas City to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $51 on gas for this 440-mile trip. You'll need about 14.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Kansas City to Minneapolis?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Kansas City to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $13 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
